Impact Report - Integrity
Let us love not merely with words or speech but with actions in truth. – 1 John 3:18
We hold ourselves accountable to do the right thing for the right reasons. We speak truthfully and courageously with generosity and respect. We pursue authenticity with humility and simplicity.
Alaska CARES is a child advocacy center co-located with state and local law enforcement, child protective services, and mental health professionals. Together they work to support children who have suffered abuse and help them start down the path to healing. A new, permanent home for this vital program was completed in 2019 thanks to the generosity of the Alaska community and donors like you.
There are so many wonderful, dedicated members of the Alaska CARES team, but we want to share a few stories about the most unique member of the team, and how they help Alaska’s most vulnerable kids feel safe and comforted during their treatment.
Meet Kiska! She spends her days greeting and comforting the children who come to Alaska CARES to begin their healing journey. She loves her job, and the patients at Alaska CARES love spending time with her.
When an eight-year-old boy and his two siblings came to Alaska CARES for treatment, Kiska was there to help. They’d recently been removed from a physically, emotionally, and psychologically abusive home, and were feeling lost and afraid. They became agitated in their waiting room, shouting and fighting, but as soon as Kiska walked in their eyes lit up with excitement. Their fight was forgotten as they played with Kiska, and soon they felt comfortable enough to begin their treatment. Afterwards, Kiska helped them all pick out stuffed animals to take with.
On another day, a sixteen-year-old girl came to Alaska CARES with her sister but was too upset from her trauma to talk with anyone. She refused to speak with the CARES team, or even go into an interview room, but she did accept a visit from Kiska. As soon as Kiska bounded in, the girl started laughing and complimented Kiska’s bangs. The girl left after her visit with Kiska, but when she felt ready to come back a few weeks later, she asked if Kiska could be there with her. Kiska greeted her when she arrived, walked her to her interview, and even waited outside the door to be with her when she was finished.
These are just two of many, many stories of how Kiska has helped the children at Alaska CARES take the first steps on their healing journeys. And she’s just one part of a whole team of caregivers dedicated to healing the hurt of Alaska’s kids. Kiska and the CARES team see nearly 1000 children every year, and they wouldn’t be able to do their important work without the support of donors like you. Your gifts bring comfort, laughter, and healing to the children who need it most.
Kiska and the CARES team.